The MPV segment in India is growing at a good pace which consist cars like Toyota Innova, Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and Renault Lodgy. Despite being present since decade, Innova still hold strong position in the market private car buyer’s still give first preference to it but in recent times cars like Ertiga and Lodgy have managed to shaken things a bit especially the MPV from Maruti Stable. By launching Lodgy, Renault wanted to give cut throat fight to Innova but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Despite aggressively priced, decent on road abilities, spacious seven seater, Lodgy not able to set sales chart on fire as it struggles to cross four digit mark. The main reason behind could be the benchmark set by Innova which seems hard to decode.
Now to take things to all new level, Toyota has launched the new generation of the MPV which is the complete transformed and premium version of the previous model. There’s all new Innova Crysta in town which is now bigger, powerful, stylish and premium than ever and the sky rocketing price let Innova create its own premium MPV segment. In spite of all odds Renault Lodgy seems to be the closest rival of Innova Crysta, so let’s compare both to check how these far against each other.
Price
Toyota hasn’t been known for aggressive pricing when it comes to Innova and new model is not a different story. Crysta is available in the range of Rs. 13.83 to 20.77 lakhs which is around 1.1 lakh more than the top variant of Lodgy which is priced at Rs. 12.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Though new Innova looks an expensive alternative of Innova but it’s worth it considering what it has to offer.
Engine and Performance
Both the cars are offered only in diesel engine, Toyota Innova carries the largest engines among the two whereas Lodgy delivers the better power. Toyota Innova is powered by new range of GD engines a 2.4L GD engine that produces 147.8bhp power@3400rpm and 343Nm of peak torque@1400-2800rpm, paired to a six speed manual gearbox. There is also a bigger 2.8l GD diesel mill that churns out max output of 171.5bhp@3400rpm and 360Nm of high torque, linked to a six speed automatic gearbox.
Powering the Lodgy is a 1.5L K9K diesel engine that comes with two states of tunes- 84bhp and 108.5bhp. Renault Lodgy is available with a 5 speed and a 6-speed manual transmission. Lodgy is effortless to drive and clutch is also isn’t heavy as Innova’s, on the other hand Innova delivers fantastic city drivability but on slow speeds Innova isn’t good as Lodgy. The accelerator response is sharp at lower rpms and you can use the 3rd gear as automatic in Innova it’s that responsive.
Innova Crysta is a like regular car with balanced ride and handling and grip levels are safe and predictable too. Innova is best suited for calm style of driving on highways with long gear ratios adds to its advantage.
Renault Lodgy on the other hand is slow starter, city driving requires frequent downshifts but on open road the engine shines through with decent performance. Apart from Price Renault has also hit the sweet spot in suspension segment, If Innova offers good handling then Lodgy isn’t far behind. A person seating in the third row will find the ride bumpier in Lodgy than Innova.
In fuel efficiency department Lodgy stands tall with 19.98 KMPL mileage against 15.10 Kmpl of Innova Crysta while 85 PS variants of Lodgy delivers an impressive 21.04 KMPL of mileage.
Space and Dimensions
With dimensions of 4498mm length, 1751mm width and 1697mm height Lodgy falls behind significantly but wins with the wheelbase of 2810mm that translates into ample space inside. Both the cars are available in 7 and 8 seating configurations with both offering comfortable front row seating with high view of outdoor, when it comes to 2nd row space Innova have an advantage with more legroom space and chair like sitting position than Lodgy. Innova’s wheelbase remains same but thanks to extended dimensions the particular model even more spacious than its predecessor and competitor.
Access to third row is slightly easier in Innova Crysta as the second row seats easily folds as compared to Lodgy’s partial tumble. Third row seats of Innova are wide and offer lot more under thigh support and legroom than that of Lodgy. If we have to choose a car for long journeys in consideration with third row seating then Innova is the clear winner.
Exterior
Both the cars follow the typical MPV styling footsteps of long and boxy. Toyota Innova has been there since decade and receiving frequent cosmetic changes to keep it fresh but overall layout of design remains more or less same. New Innova is radically different from the car it is replacing, the new gen model looks more like a premium SUV which is based on company’s global design technology. Crysta’s design has more impact and road presence than Lodgy owing to long tooth that house two slat thick front grille, sweptback projector headlamps with LED DRLs, sculpted bonnet and massive air dam.
Renault Lodgy has a boxy design with oodles of chrome all around. Coming to the side and you will realize how long Lodgy is, though both cars have flat side profile like a typical MPV with chrome side moldings and no nonsense design. Lodgy carries quite unusual kind of tail lamps which is the only good point about the simple rear end while Innova has new boomerang shaped tail lamps units with large rear windscreen and a rear spoiler. Overall, Innova Crysta looks more elegant, proportionate and premium which makes it a clear winner with all hands down.
Interior
The layout of Innova Crysta is leap ahead of what it used to be now it can shame even some premium segment cars. Based on company’s new global architecture the multi layered dashboard with wooden and aluminium inserts imitate the harmonious design. In terms of goodies it gets a big touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, USB, Aux-in. It also sports automatic climate control, 3D MID with big dials, ambient lounge lighting on the roof, Ac vents for all three rows, leather upholstery, 20 storage spots etc. The quality of materials, fit and finish in Innova is top notch and feels like European than Japanese.
Renault Lodgy also has refreshing interiors though some of the components have been taken from Duster. Lodgy Boasts features such as 7” touchscreen MEDIANAV infotainment system with rear view camera assistance, A/C vents and power sockets for all three rows, dual shade leather seats, and piano black finish looks up market while quality of materials is as good as Innova. Overall the cabin of Lodgy has fresh feel, carries more equipments but not as premium and appealing than Crysta.
Safety
Toyota has made sure that Innova Crysta remains premium in every segment whether design, features or safety. Dual front and driver side knee airbags, ABS, EBD and brake assist are available as standard across the line up while top trims has seven airbags, reverse parking camera with guidelines, cruise control, hill start assist, traction control, vehicle stability control, 3-point seat belts, engine immobilizer etc.
Whereas Lodgy is loaded with dual front airbags, ABS, EBD with brake assist, impact sensing door lock-unlock feature, cruise control with speed limiter, rear view camera and rear parking sensors.
Verdict
Renault launched Lodgy to grab decent market pie out of Innova’s hands but sadly it remained a dream. Now new Innova with its range of USPs such as powerful engines, extra comfort, styling, automatic gearbox and bullet proof reliability of Toyota have diminished the remaining hopes of Lodgy. Though we have heard that the facelift version of Lodgy would sports some new features and much needed automatic gearbox. On the other hand despite premium price the Innova loyalists will not switch to Lodgy or other available alternatives. Innova Crysta’s premium pricing could act as blessing in disguise for Lodgy but despite it the new Innova has made even tuff for Lodgy to earn respectable numbers. Tata is also developing Aria based SUV crossover called Hexa showcased at 2016 auto expo which might pose some serious competition to Innova Crysta.
